BRPI0715178A2 - apparatus for use with a process control device, and tool and device for installing a clip on or removing a clip from a lever - Google Patents

Abstract

APPLIANCE FOR USE WITH A PROCESS CONTROL DEVICE, AND TOOL AND DEVICE FOR INSTALLING A CLAMP IN OR REMOVING A CLAMP FROM A LEVER. Actuator levers, clamps and clamp tools for use in process control devices are exposed. An example apparatus includes an actuator lever (106), a clamp (202) coupled with the actuator lever, and a control tool (402). In the example apparatus, the caliper tool is removably coupled with at least one of the lever or the caliper, and the caliper tool applies a force to at least one of the actuator lever, the caliper, a valve shaft, or a intermediate structure for coupling or uncoupling the clamp with or from the lever.

Description

"APPARATUS FOR USE WITH A PROCESS CONTROL DEVICE, AND TOOL AND DEVICE FOR INSTALLING A CLIP ON OR REMOVING A LEVER CLIP" DESCRIPTION FIELD

The present description generally relates to process control devices and, more particularly, to actuator levers, tweezers and tweezers for use with process control devices. BACKGROUND

Fluid process systems typically use valves such as, for example, rotary valves to control temperature, pressure, and other parameters associated with a fluid control process. Rotary valves typically have a valve stem or shaft that is mechanically coupled with an actuator. In operation, the actuator may rotate the valve shaft to cause a control element (e.g., a disc) to move between an open position that allows fluid to pass through the valve and a closed position that substantially prevents a passage fluid through the valve. Rotary valves are typically installed in line with a pipe, so that when the control element (eg a disc) moves (ie opens / closes), fluid flow through the valve and thus across the pipe can be varied (for example, in a choke control operation or an on / off operation).

As is known, actuators are typically coupled with a valve shaft to operate the valve between an open position and a closed position and may be implemented using electrical, pneumatic, and / or hydraulic (s) device (s). s). To facilitate compatibility of process control valves with a variety of actuators, many process control valves available have shafts that conform to well-known standards. For example, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has developed a square axis standard that specifies axis size, axis dimensions, and axis length. Adherence to ISO standard ensures that actuators and valves made by multiple manufacturers can be interchangeably coupled with one another without requiring modification of actuators or valves. In particular, the ISO specification or standard for valve shaft is particularly advantageous when purchasing out-of-line actuators.

Many out-of-line actuators provide shaft receptacles that have a square hole that conform to the ISO standard. The square hole is typically fabricated using a drilling technique in which a thick saw-like cutting tool having a plurality of teeth is driven through a solid shaft or receptacle. In this manner, material is removed in a precise manner to form a hole sized to receive a square valve shaft. However, drilling is an undesirable technique due to the precision or tolerances required to provide properly sized holes (i.e. holes that are not too large or too small). In many cases, to ensure that the dimensions of the shaft receptacle conform to ISO standard, the inner dimensions of the shaft receptacle are made substantially larger than the outer dimensions of the valve shaft.

For most on / off applications, the internal dimensions of the shaft receptacle can be significantly larger than the external dimensions of the valve shaft without compromising operation. However, for throttling operations, where the position of a control element (eg a disk) is varied (eg, modulated around a control point) between a fully closed position and a fully open position, receptacles oversized axle shafts are not appropriate. An oversized shaft receptacle typically results in loose mechanical coupling and thus loose movement between the shaft receptacle and the process control device shaft.

Lost motion can generally be defined as the difference in angular rotation between an axle receptacle and an axle and is typically a result of loose coupling between the axle receptacle and the axle. For example, if a loose coupling is made between a shaft receptacle and a substantially square shaft, the angular rotation of the shaft receptacle may be different from the rotational shaft offset.

In general, lost motion can lead to inaccurate positioning of a valve disc and poor control over fluid flowing through the valve. Lost motion can be reduced by placing a clamp on a lever on a valve assembly actuator. The clamp engages the valve shaft with the lever, which is rotated by the actuator to open and close the valve. Callipers provide a substantially tight coupling between the lever and the valve shaft without requiring the use of wedges, shaft keys, or the like.

When a valve assembly is disassembled, for example during an outage or for routine maintenance, the valve shaft must be removed from the actuator. Removal of the valve shaft from the actuator can be accomplished by detaching the caliper from the lever. Typically, forceps are removed using a flat force, such as, for example, by striking the actuator with a hammer until the forceps are dislodged or released from the lever. This is undesirable as it requires an amount of effort (especially for large axes), and hammering on the end of the valve clamp or shaft has the potential to cause internal damage to the valve assembly. SUMMARY

Example apparatuses including actuator levers, collets and collet tools set forth herein may be used with a process control device. In a process apparatus, an actuator lever is coupled with the forceps. The exemplary apparatus also includes a control tool that is removably coupled with at least one of the actuator lever or caliper. In addition, the forceps tool applies force to at least one of the actuator lever, forceps, a valve shaft, or an intermediate frame that can be positioned on the lever. The force applied by the forceps tool decouples the forceps from the actuator lever.

According to another example, a tool for installing a clip on or removing a clip from an actuator lever includes at least one of a plurality of inner diameter threads, a plurality of outer diameter threads, or a plate for removably coupling the tool with at least one of an actuator lever or tweezers. The tool is configured to apply force to at least one of the actuator lever, collet, valve shaft, or intermediate frame to install the collet on or remove the actuator lever collet.

According to yet another example, a device for installing a clip on or removing a clip from the lever in a process control device includes devices for removably coupling a control tool with at least one of the lever or the clip. Devices for installing the caliper on or removing the lever caliper also include devices for applying force through the caliper tool to at least one of the lever, caliper, valve shaft or intermediate frame for installing the caliper. or remove the lever clamp. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure 1 represents an example valve assembly. Figures 2A and 2B are isometric views of the actuator of figure 1.

Figures 3A and 3B are isometric views of the example lever and forceps of Figures 2A and 2B.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an example actuator lever with an example forceps and an example control tool.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view using alternative actuator lever, collet and control tool, for example.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of another alternative actuator lever, for example, actuator lever, collet valve stem remover.

Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of yet another alternative actuator lever and caliper, with an example adjustable coupling.

Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of yet another actuator lever and caliper, for example, with an alternative, adjustable, adjustable coupling.

Figure 9 shows the actuator lever and collet of figure 8 with an example control tool positioned for mounting.

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the example control tool of Figure 9.

Figure 11 shows the actuator lever, collet and control tool of figure 9, with the collet tool rotated 180 ° and positioned for disassembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 represents an example valve assembly 100. Example valve assembly 100 may be used in a process control system to control, for example, temperature, pressure, or flow rate. Example valve assembly 100 may be used to open a fluid path, close a fluid path, and / or vary the size of (i.e. strangle) an opening in a fluid path. For example, when fluid flows through a fluid path including the example valve assembly 100, the variation in the size of an opening in the example valve assembly 100 causes the flow rate of the fluid in the fluid path. reduced or increased based on the degree to which a valve assembly 100 is opened or closed.

As shown in Fig. 1, example valve assembly 100 includes a valve 102, an actuator 104, and a lever 106. Lever 106 is mechanically coupled with actuator 104 as described below in connection with Figures 2B through 3B. Actuator 104 is configured to actuate (i.e. rotate, rotate, etc.) lever 106 about its geometric axis to open / close valve 102. Valve 102 includes a valve body 108, a control element 110 (e.g., a disc) positioned within an inner surface or chamber 112 of a valve body 108, and a valve shaft 114 mechanically coupled with the control element 110, as shown by dashed lines. Valve shaft 114 is shown as a substantially square shaft and can be designed to conform to an ISO standard for square shafts. However, valve shaft 114 may be implemented using any other shape (e.g., any polygonal shape) and size. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that the shaft may be substantially circular in cross section except for an end portion that may be polygonal or substantially square to engage an ISO standard actuator. Additionally, one skilled in the art may also contemplate the collet, control tool lever, for example, being used with a known keyed shaft, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In a closed position, the control element 110 may be in a seated position in which a sealing surface 116 of the control element 110 is in contact with an inner surface 112 of a valve body 108, thereby preventing fluid flow through. movement of the control element 110 to a fully open position may involve rotation of the valve shaft 114 such that the control element 110 is in a substantially perpendicular orientation with respect to an aperture defined by internal surface 112. Control element throttling 110 may involve adjusting and controlling the position of control element 110 between a fully open position and a fully closed position to achieve a desired process fluid flow or pressure reduction. In addition, throttling of the control element 110 may be performed in connection with a feedback system that is configured to continuously measure the flow and / or pressure of a process fluid. The feedback system may then cause, for example, actuator 104 to at least partially actuate lever 106 in response to changes in process fluid flow and / or pressure. In this case, minimizing or reducing the lost motion between lever 106 and valve shaft 114 is crucial to achieve precise positioning of control element 110.

As shown in Fig. 1, actuator 104 is mechanically coupled with valve 102 through a mounting bracket 118, actuator 104 may include any actuated or ungrounded actuating device that is capable of rotating valve shaft 114. As is shown in FIG. As known, actuators are typically implemented using electric, pneumatic, and / or hydraulic device (s). Alternatively, actuator 104 may be implemented using any non-actuated device, such as, for example, a hand operated device, etc.

Lever 106 includes a first coupling 120 and a second coupling 122. Although the first coupling 120 is shown to be mechanically coupled with the valve shaft 114, the second coupling 122 may also be configured to be mechanically coupled with the valve shaft 114 , as described below. Lever 106 may communicate a rotational force to valve shaft 114 via first coupling 120 and / or second coupling 122. For example, when lever 106 rotates, first coupling 120 rotates valve shaft 114 to cause the control element 110 moves between an open position and a closed position.

Lever 106 engages a washer 124 which is captured between lever 106 and pull nut 126. As described in connection with figures 3A and 3B below, washer 124 and pull nut 126 allow first coupling 120 and / or the second coupling 122 engages (e.g. to be attached to) the valve shaft 114. In addition, couplings 120 and 122 are configured to be substantially similar or identical, so that actuator 104 can be rotated 180 ° to changing a fail-safe operation of valve 102 as described below in connection with figures 2A and 2B.

Figures 2A and 2B are isometric views of actuator 104 of Figure 1. Figures 2A and 2B generally represent the manner in which lever 106 of Figure 1 is rotatably coupled with actuator 104. As described above in connection with Figure 1, actuator 104 may be mechanically coupled with a shaft (e.g., valve shaft 114 of FIG. 1) to rotate the shaft. Although actuator 104 is shown as a spring and diaphragm actuator, any other suitable actuating device may be used. Actuator 104 also includes a first face plate 204, which is shown as a front side of actuator 104, and a second face plate (not shown) opposite to the first face plate 204 (i.e., a rear side of the actuator). actuator 104). First face plate 204 and second face plate are substantially similar or identical, which allow for field-configurable, fail-safe operation of actuator 104 as described below.

Lever 106 is mechanically coupled with or otherwise engages with an example clamp 202 which is configured to apply a clamping force, for example, to valve shaft 114 (Fig. 1). Lever 106 and example forceps 202 may form first coupling 120 (FIG. 1) and / or second coupling 122 (FIG. 1) as described below in connection with FIGS. 3A and 3B. Additionally, lever 106 is shown to extend through the first face plate 204. In a similar manner, lever 106 extends through the second face plate and is hidden in the views of figures 2A and 2B.

Fail-safe operation of actuator 104 is field configurable. Fail-safe operation defines whether valve 102 (figure 1) is configured to open or close when power (for example, electrical power, pneumatic power, hydraulic power, etc.) is interrupted. For example, the mechanical coupling of the first coupling 120 with the valve shaft 114 may provide a fail-safe open configuration. On the other hand, the physical rotation of actuator 104, as indicated by arrow 206, and the mechanical coupling of second coupling 122 with valve shaft 114 can provide a fail-safe closed configuration.

As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, first face plate 204 includes a plurality of mounting holes 208 that can be used to mechanically couple actuator 104 with, for example, valve 102 (Figure 1) through mounting bracket 118. (figure 1). In Fig. 2B, the first faceplate 204 is removed from actuator 104 to expose lever 106 and example forceps 202. The assembly of lever 106 and example forceps 202 is described in more detail below. Lever 106 is mechanically coupled with an actuation member 210 which may be moved alternately back and forth or moved in and out by means of actuator 104 and configured to rotate or rotate lever 106 to open / close valve 102. .

Figures 3A and 3B are more detailed isometric views of lever 106 and example forceps 202 of Figures 2A and 2B. In particular, Figure 3A shows lever 106 and example forceps 202 in an assembled configuration and Figure 3B is an exploded isometric view of lever 106 and forceps 202. In an assembled configuration, lever 106 and example forceps 202 form a coupling, such as, for example, couplings 120 and / or 122 of Figure 1. Example clamp 202 is shown as having a square hole 302, which is shown in a coupled or tight configuration in Figure 3A and an open configuration in figure 3B. The lever 106 and example forceps 202 may be fabricated using any material suitable for engaging and rotating (i.e. acting) a valve shaft such as, for example, the valve shaft 114 of Fig. 1. In addition, lever 106 and the example tweezers 202 may be fabricated using any suitable fabrication technique, such as, for example, die casting, forging, etc.

Square hole 302 may be configured to receive and engage or tighten rectangular or square shafts, such as, for example, valve shaft 114 of FIG. 1. Additionally, square hole 302 may be configured to engage square shafts that meet a standard. ISO for square axes. However, square hole 302 may be implemented using any desired shape and size and may be configured to engage any axis having a substantially similar shape and size. In general, the shape and size of hole 302 may be configured to be substantially complementary to the shape and size of a corresponding axis. For example, if lever 106 and example forceps 202 are used to implement couplings 120 and 122 of FIG. 1, the dimensions of orifice 302 may be substantially similar or identical to the dimensions of valve shaft 114.

As shown in FIGS. 3B, a first end of lever 106 forms first coupling 120 and provides a first sleeve 304 that is configured to receive and engage the example forceps 202. In a similar manner, a second end of lever 106 forms second coupling 122 and provides a second sleeve 306 through which the example forceps 202 may be inserted. Example forceps 202 may be pulled into lever 106 such that the first glove or second glove engages example forceps 202. As described in more detail below, when example forceps 202 is engaged by one of the gloves 304 and 306, the dimensions of hole 302 are reduced, which causes the example forceps 202 to engage and apply a clamping force, for example, on the valve shaft 114.

Example forceps 202 may be pulled into lever 106 using a pull or push technique. For example, lever 106 may include a passageway (not shown) extending therethrough and example forceps 202 may include an elongate member 308 which may be placed within the passageway. The elongate member 308 may have a threaded portion 310 that may extend through the lever 106 and washer 124 to threadably engage the pull nut 126. Tightening the pull nut 126 pulls the sample forceps 202 into the coupling 120, which causes the dimensions of square hole 302 to decrease. In this way, the example forceps 202 may directly engage, for example, the valve shaft 114, thereby reducing and / or eliminating the interstice between the square hole surfaces 302 and the valve shaft surfaces 114. In an alternative embodiment, As with the examples discussed below, the elongate member 308 may include internal threads and a pull screw (in place of pull nut 126) which may engage the internal threads to pull the example forceps 202 into lever 106. As discussed below, a pull bolt may be combined into a single frame with a control tool, and the term "control tool" may refer to either a pull screw or collet installer (which engages a collet with the lever) and a tweezers remover (which decouples a tweezers from the lever).

Lost rotational motions (i.e., lost motion) between lever 106 and valve shaft 114 are substantially reduced or eliminated by eliminating gaps between the surfaces of square hole 302 and valve shaft 114 by example forceps 202 In addition, the sample clamps described herein (for example, the sample clamp 202) may facilitate coupling and uncoupling of actuators (e.g., actuator 104) and shafts (e.g., valve shaft 114) for purposes. from, for example, installation, processes, repair processes, etc.

Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the collet 202 inserted into lever 106 with a control tool 402 attached thereto. As shown in Figure 4, collet tool 402 may be used to remove collet 202 from lever 106 without damaging collet 202, lever 106, or any other component of a valve assembly 100. Collet tool 402 includes a plate 404 which is placed against the rear portion or end 405 of the clip 202. The plate 404 has a first drill hole 406 and a second drill hole 408 through which a first pin 410 and a second pin 412 pass respectively. The first pin 410 is inserted into a third drill hole 414 positioned at lever 106, and the second pin 412 is inserted into a fourth drill hole 416 also positioned at lever 106. The opposite ends of the first and second pins 410 and 412 are coupled with a first pull nut 418 and a second pull nut 420, respectively. Pull nuts 418 and 420 are rotated to drive the collet tool 402 against the end 405 of the collet 202. That is, when the pull nuts 418 and 420 are rotated to contact with the pull plate 404, the pull of the collet. plate 404 moves closer to lever 106. As plate 404 approaches lever 106, plate 404 pushes on end 405 of collet 202, overcomes the friction between collet 202 and lever 106, decouples collet 202 from lever 106, and force the clamp 202 away from the other end of lever 106 without damaging any of the components of a valve assembly 100. This example control tool 402 is mounted during disassembly, i.e. removal of clamp 202 , and thus works as a tweezers remover.

An alternative example of collet tool 502 is shown in Figure 5. Collet tool 502 may be a substantially U-shaped component including a first leg 504, a second leg 506 and a rear part 508. Alternatively, the first leg 504 and second leg 506 may be integral so that the collet tool 502 is a hollow cylindrical structure open at one end. At least a portion of the collet tool 502 has inner diameter threads 510. In the illustrated example, inner diameter threads 510 are positioned at the ends of first and second legs 504 and 506. Lever 106 further includes outer diameter threads 512 over at least a portion of lever 106. Outer diameter threads 512 complement or are configured to threadably engage the inside diameter threads 510 of collet tool 502. To remove collet 202 from lever 106, the collet tool 502 is mounted to the rear of lever 106 so that the inside diameter threads 510 of the collet tool 502 engage the outside diameter threads 512 of the lever 106. The collet tool 502 is then rotated causing the threads 510 and 512 engage further and pull the collet tool 502 toward the rear of lever 106. When the collet tool 502 is rotated, the rear part 508 of the collet tool 502 contacts the collet 202, overcomes the friction between collet 202 and lever 106, decouples collet 202 from lever 106, and forces collet 202 away from the other end of lever 106 without damage any of the components of a valve assembly 100. Example control tool 502 may be assembled or used during disassembly (ie, removal of collet 202). Figure 6 illustrates another alternative control tool for

Example 600. In this example, the caliper 202 includes outside diameter threads 602 and inside diameter threads 604. The inside diameter threads 604 of the caliper 202 complement the outside diameter threads 606 of the valve shaft remover 608. To remove a valve shaft valve (not shown), the valve shaft remover 608 is inserted (e.g., threaded) into the caliper 202 so that the outside diameter threads 606 of the valve shaft remover 608 engage the inside diameter threads 604 of the valve. Tweezer 202. Valve Shaft Remover 608 is then rotated so that Valve Shaft Remover 608 is driven further into the Tweezer 202. After sufficient rotation of Valve Shaft Remover 608, one end 610 of the Remover. shaft valve 608 contacts the valve shaft. When valve shaft remover 608 is rotated further and driven further into the caliper 202, the valve shaft is forced away from the caliper 202. Removal of the valve shaft from the caliper 202 eliminates or

relieves clamping forces exerted by the valve shaft through the clamp 202 against lever 106. In the absence of clamping forces, the clamp 202 may be removed from lever 106 by manual manipulation of the clamp 202, interaction of a tool (e.g. screwdriver or pliers) with the outer diameter threads 602 of the collet 202, through the gravity force, etc. In this way, the valve shaft remover 608 also functions as a control tool or remover. However, while the other collet tools 402 and 502 described above communicate a force on the lever to disengage the collet 202, the valve shaft remover 608 communicates a force on the valve shaft to allow removal of the collet 202.

The illustrated example shows valve shaft remover 608 as a bolt. However, any type of fastening device, such as, for example, a screw, may be used instead. In addition, In the illustrated example, valve shaft remover 608 is fully removable and can be mounted or used as needed (eg during disassembly).

Fig. 7 illustrates yet another alternative control tool 700. The apparatus shown in Fig. 7 includes an intermediate frame or adjustable coupler, such as, for example, an adjustable threaded coupling or coupler 702 that can be permanently positioned within lever 106 and which is freely rotatable with respect to lever 106. Adjustable coupling 702 is retained on lever 106 and is held back-translation along the central geometry axis or a longitudinal geometry axis of lever 706 by means of fasteners such as, for example, rings. snap-on devices (not shown) or similar devices. Adjustable coupling 702 has two chambers, or a first drill hole 704 and a second drill hole 706. The first drill hole 704 has inner diameter threads 708 that complement outer diameter threads 710 over an elongated portion 308 of the collet 202 The second drill hole 706 also has internal diameter threads 712. Adjustable coupling 702 further includes a central portion 714 having a transverse hole 716. In the illustrated example, transverse hole 716 has a square cross section. However, any other polygonal format could be used instead.

To pull the caliper 202 in and engage the caliper 202 with lever 106, a rod or shaft or other form of a control tool (not shown) may be inserted into the end of lever 106 opposite the caliper 202. The caliper tool may have a square end which is inserted into and engages with transverse hole 716. The collet tool can then be turned clockwise which in turn rotates the adjustable coupling 702 clockwise. Clockwise rotation of the adjustable coupling 702 causes the caliper 202 outer diameter threads 710 to engage the inner diameter threads 708 of the first hole 704 of the adjustable coupling 702, which pulls the caliper 202 further lever 106 and couples the collet 202 and lever 106. Alternatively, a portion of the collet tool may have outside diameter threads that engage the inside diameter threads 712 of the second drill hole 706. In this case, when the outside diameter threads of the tool clamp and the 712 inner diameter threads of the adjustable coupling 702 are engaged, continuous clockwise rotation of the clamp tool rotates the adjustable coupling 702 clockwise and engages the clamp 202 and lever 106 as described above.

To remove the collet 202, a control tool having a square configured end may be inserted into transverse hole 716 and rotated in a counterclockwise direction. Counterclockwise rotation of the collet tool rotates the adjustable coupling 702 in a counterclockwise direction, which causes the ID 708 internal diameter threads 708 and the adjusting coupling threads 702. outside diameter 710 of collet shaft 308 202 disengage and disengage collet 202 and lever 106. In an alternative example, a combination of a lever, collet, and control tool is shown in FIGS. 8-11. Example lever 106 has an intermediate frame 802. In this example, intermediate frame 802 is a core or plate 802 that divides an inner chamber of lever 106 into a first bore hole 804 and second bore hole 806. In this example, the intermediate frame, plate or web 802 may be integral with lever 106. Core 802 has another bore hole or central bore hole 808 through which collet rod or shaft 308 may pass (FIG. 8). The collet tool 902 has a first end 904

and a second end 906. The first end 904 has a bore hole opening 908 910, at least a portion of which includes inner diameter threads 912. To couple the clamp 202 and lever 106, the clamp 202 is inserted into the first bore hole 804. First bore hole 804 includes bore threads 810 which can engage with bore threads 914 on a portion of pliers tool 902. Spindle 308 of pliers 202 also has bores 812. shaft 308 is inserted through first drill hole 804 and central hole 808, a portion of shaft 308 enters second drill hole 806. The collet tool 902 is inserted into second drill hole 806 from the opposite end. Collet tool 902 engages collet shaft 308 202. Collet 308 enters opening 908 and spindle 308 outside diameter threads 812 engages collet tool 9012 inner diameter threads When collet tool 902 rotated, the collet tool 902 communicates a force on the center web 802, which is transferred to the collet 202 and causes threads 812 and 912 to engage further. In turn, the collet 202 is pulled further into tight coupling with lever 106. The collet tool 902 may be left in the second drilling hole 806 of lever 106 during operation of a valve assembly 100.

To remove the collet 202, the collet tool 902 is removed from the second drill hole 806 of the lever and rotated approximately 180 °. The collet tool 902 is then reinserted into the second end 906 of the second drill hole 806 first, as shown in Figure 11. At least a portion of the external surface of the collet tool 902 includes outside diameter threads 914. The outside diameter threads 914 engage with bores 814 which are positioned over at least a portion of the surface of the second drill hole 806 of lever 106. When the collet tool 902 is rotated, the threads 914 and 814 engage further, and the tool collet 902 moves toward lever 106. The second end 906 of collet tool 902 includes a substantially flat and solid surface 916. When collet tool 902 moves further into lever 106, collet tool 902 approaches the end of the axis 308 of the collet 202. The further rotational force that is exerted on the collet tool 902 is transferred linear force acting on the caliper 202 and forces the caliper 202 away from the second drill hole 806. The instant the tweezer 902 was inserted far enough into the second hole 806 to reach the core or plate 808, the collet 202 has been detached or dislodged from lever 106. At this point, sufficient collet 202 is exposed to the lever 106 to allow manual manipulation and removal of the valve shaft (not shown) from collet 202 without causing any damage. to any components in a valve assembly 100. The collet tool 902 may be stored in the second hole 806 for further future use. Storing the 902 collet tool in the lever decreases the likelihood that the collet remover 902 will be misplaced or lost and facilitates rapid conversion from assembly to disassembly. While certain methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited to them. Rather, this patent covers all methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture which fall within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims (30)

1. Apparatus for use with a process control device, characterized in that the apparatus includes: an actuator lever; a clamp coupled with the actuator lever; and a collet tool removably coupled with at least one of the actuator lever or collet, wherein the collet tool is configured to apply force to at least one of the actuator lever, collet, a valve shaft, or an intermediate frame for uncoupling the caliper from the actuator lever. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator lever includes a first drill hole and a second drill hole and the collet tool comprises: a plate including a third drill hole and a fourth drilling hole; a first pin for engaging the first and third drill holes; and a second pin for engaging the second and fourth drill holes. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the plate causes the collet and actuator lever to disengage when the bolts are turned. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a portion of the actuator lever includes external diameter threads, the collet tool has a U-shaped cross-section, and a portion of the collet tool includes internal diameter threads. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the inside diameter threads of the collet tool are for engaging the outside diameter threads of the actuator lever to cause the collet tool to contact the collet to uncouple the caliper and the actuator lever. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a portion of the collet includes external diameter threads and a portion of the collet tool includes internal diameter threads. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the inside diameter threads of the collet tool are for engaging the outside diameter threads of the collet to allow the collet and actuator lever to disengage. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the collet tool comprises a valve shaft remover, and wherein at least a portion of the collet has internal diameter threads and at least a portion of the shaft remover. valve has external diameter threads. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the outside diameter threads of the valve shaft remover are for engaging the inside diameter threads of the caliper to cause the valve shaft remover to engage the valve. calliper, contact a valve shaft, and drive the valve shaft away from the calliper. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the intermediate structure is disposed within an actuator lever and includes a first drill hole and a second drill hole, and wherein the first and second drill holes. Drill bits have bore threads and the collet engages the first drill hole and the collet tool engages the second drill hole. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the intermediate frame is rotatable relative to the actuator lever and is to be rotated to engage or disengage the collet and actuator lever. Apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the intermediate structure is to be rotated by means of the collet tool. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the intermediate structure is maintained against translation along a longitudinal geometric axis of the actuator lever by means of spacers. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a portion of the actuator lever includes internal diameter threads, the intermediate structure includes a plate with a bore through it, at least a portion of the collet. includes outside diameter threads, at least a portion of the collet tool includes inside diameter threads, at least a portion of the collet tool includes outside diameter threads, and a portion of the collet is to pass through the intermediate frame drill hole when The caliper is coupled with the actuator lever. Apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the collet tool is to be oriented in a first position such that the external diameter threads of the collet tool engage the internal diameter threads of the actuator lever and when the collet tool is rotated to pull the collet tool into the lever so that the collet tool engages the collet and decouples the collet and actuator lever. Apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the collet tool is oriented in a second position so that the collet tool's inner diameter threads engage the collet's outer diameter threads and, when the tool is The forceps are rotated, pulling the forceps into the lever to engage the forceps and the actuator lever. Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the first position and the second position are about 180 ° apart. Apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the intermediate structure is integral with the actuator lever. Apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the forceps tool can be stored in the actuator lever during operation of the process control device. A tool for installing a clip on or removing a clip from an actuator lever, characterized in that the tool comprises: a tool body; and at least one of a plurality of inner diameter threads, a plurality of outer diameter threads, or a plate for removably coupling the tool with at least one of an actuator lever or tweezers, wherein by the fact that the tool It is configured to apply force to at least one of the actuator lever, the caliper, a valve shaft, or an intermediate frame to install the caliper on or remove the actuator lever caliper. Tool according to claim 20, characterized in that the tool rotates the intermediate frame relative to the actuator lever to install the collet on or remove the actuator lever collet. A tool according to claim 20, characterized in that the tool is to be oriented in a first position such that at least a portion of the plurality of outer diameter threads of the tool engages a portion of a plurality of threads of a tool. inside diameter of the actuator lever and, when the tool is turned, pull the tool into the actuator lever so that the tool engages the forceps and removes the forceps from the actuator lever. A tool according to claim 22, characterized in that the tool has at least one substantially flat surface. Tool according to claim 22, characterized in that the tool is to be oriented in a second position such that at least a portion of the plurality of the tool's inner diameter threads engage a portion of a plurality of threads. the outside diameter of the collet and, when the tool is rotated, to pull the collet into the actuator lever to install the collet on the actuator lever. A tool according to claim 24, characterized in that the first position and the second position are about 180 °. Device for installing a clip on or removing a clip from a lever in a process control device, characterized in that the device for installing or removing comprises a device for removably coupling a clip tool with at least one of the lever or of the collet and device for applying force through the collet tool to at least one of the lever, collet, valve shaft or intermediate frame to install the collet on or remove the collet from the lever. Device according to Claim 26, characterized in that the force applied to the collet tool is a rotational force. Device according to Claim 26, characterized in that the force applied to the collet tool is a linear force. Device according to claim 26, characterized in that the device for removably coupling the collet tool with at least one of the lever or the collet includes causing a plate to engage the collet tool to engage the collet tool. at least one of the lever or caliper. Device according to claim 26, characterized in that the device for removably coupling the collet tool to at least one of the lever or the collet includes engaging a plurality of internal diameter threads or external diameter threads of the collet. a plurality of inner diameter threads or outer diameter threads of the lever.